Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs) are used with assessments and are designed to assess the maturity of a given technology, system, subsystem, or component from a manufacturing prospective. MRLs provide decision makers (at all levels) with a common understanding of the relative maturity (and attendant risks) associated with manufacturing technologies, products, and processes being considered to meet DoD requirements. [1]

Manufacturing readiness and technology readiness go hand-in-hand. MRLs, in conjunction with Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), are key measures that define risk when a technology or process is matured and transitioned to a system. It is quite common for manufacturing readiness to be paced by technology readiness or design stability. Manufacturing processes will not be able to mature until the product technology and product design are stable. [2]

Level

Definition

DoD MRL Description

1

Basic Manufacturing Implications Identified

Basic research expands scientific principles that may have manufacturing implications. The focus is on a high level assessment of manufacturing opportunities. The research is unfettered.

2

Manufacturing Concepts Identified

This level is characterized by describing the application of new manufacturing concepts. Applied research translates basic research into solutions for broadly defined military needs.

3

Manufacturing Proof of Concept Developed

This level begins the validation of the manufacturing concepts through analytical or laboratory experiments. Experimental hardware models have been developed in a laboratory environment that may possess limited functionality.

4

Capability to produce the technology in a laboratory environment

This level of readiness acts as an exit criterion for the MSA Phase approaching a Milestone A decision. Technologies should have matured to at least TRL 4. This level indicates that the technologies are ready for the Technology Development Phase of acquisition. Producibility assessments of design concepts have been completed. Key design performance parameters have been identified as well as any special tooling, facilities, material handling and skills required.

5

Capability to produce prototype components in a production
relevant environment

Mfg. strategy refined and integrated with Risk Management Plan. Identification of enabling/critical technologies and components is complete. Prototype materials, tooling and test equipment, as well as personnel skills have been demonstrated on components in a production relevant environment, but many manufacturing processes and procedures are still in development.

6

Capability to produce a prototype system or subsystem in a
production relevant environment

This MRL is associated with readiness for a Milestone B decision to initiate an acquisition program by entering into the EMD Phase of acquisition. Technologies should have matured to at least TRL 6. The majority of manufacturing processes have been defined and characterized, but there are still significant engineering and/or design changes in the system itself.

7

Capability to produce systems, subsystems, or components in a
production representative environment

System detailed design activity is nearing completion. Material specifications have been approved and materials are available to meet the planned pilot line build
schedule. Manufacturing processes and procedures have been demonstrated in
a production representative environment. Detailed producibility trade studies are
completed and producibility enhancements and risk assessments are underway. Technologies should be on a path to achieve TRL 7.

The system, component or item has been previously produced, is in production, or has successfully achieved low rate initial production. Technologies should have matured to TRL 9. This level of readiness is normally associated with readiness for entry into Full Rate Production (FRP). All systems engineering/design requirements should have been met such that there are minimal system changes. Major system design features are stable and have been proven in test and evaluation.

9

Low rate production demonstrated; Capability in place to begin
Full Rate Production

The system, component or item has been previously produced, is in production, or has successfully achieved low rate initial production. Technologies should have matured to TRL 9. This level of readiness is normally associated with readiness for entry into Full Rate Production (FRP). All systems engineering/design requirements should have been met such that there are minimal system changes.

10

Full Rate Production demonstrated and lean production practices
in place

Technologies should have matured to TRL 9. This level of manufacturing is normally associated with the Production or Sustainment phases of the acquisition life cycle.Engineering/design changes are few and generally limited to quality and cost
improvements. System, components or items are in full rate production and meet all engineering, performance, quality and reliability requirements. Manufacturing process capability is at the appropriate quality level.

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